The Cripta del Peccato Originale

Some 14km south of Matera in CONTRADA PETRAPENTA, the Cripta del Peccato Originale (Crypt of Original Sin) is lauded as the “Sistine Chapel of cave churches”. Inside, late eighth-century frescoes depict surprisingly dynamic Old Testament scenes, saints and angels on a white background embellished with tendrils of red flowers. Note that you need to book by phone in order to visit; tours last around an hour.